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| Screenshot from Agudah's Daf Yomi Siyum Video |
But that was not how I felt after watching a similar
video of the Daf Yomi Siyum then. Then, I felt inspired.
Truth is, both of those emotions are justified.
Unfortunately, I’ve increasingly come to the conclusion that my current
reaction is the more accurate one.
The scene depicted in the video is one of exceptional unity.
The kind of unity I’ve longed for as far back as I can remember. Unity
encompassing all observant Jewry. Unity among those of us fortunate enough to
have been educated about what Judaism really is - and retained those
fundamental beliefs and practices.
The Daf Yomi Siyum HaShas, which takes place every 7½ years,
does seem to reflect that kind of unity. It is sponsored by Agudath Israel, where the
concept of studying a blatt (both sides of a page) of Gemara daily was
popularized. Although the idea may not have originated with Agudah, they can
rightfully take credit for advancing it.
About 30 or so years ago, after ArtScroll/Mesorah began its
expanded explanatory translation of the Shas (Talmud Bavli) - Daf Yomi
exploded. Many shiurim were established to accommodate anyone,
regardless of background—from Yeshiva-trained scholars to novices. The shiurim
spanned a wide variety of communities: Chassidic enclaves (mostly given in
Yiddish), Yeshivish Charedi circles, Modern Orthodox shuls, and, in some cases
(especially here in Chicago), even mixed groups with many members from across
the religious spectrum. Today, because of the proliferation of so many shiurim,
they’ve become more niche-oriented with fewer members per Shiur.) There is also
a plethora of online Daf Yomi shiurim. Some of us study it with a Chavrusa (a
study partner); and some of us study it alone.
Still, the number of people ‘Doing the Daf’ is probably
greater than at any time since its founding by R’ Meir Shapiro in 1923. And
that growing number has generated the kind of massive celebration seen in the
video. Every new cycle seems to inspire more people from all walks of religious
life to delve into the sea of Talmud daily resulting in ever-growing crowds of
Siyum attendees.
As can be seen from the video, the celebrants include
Chassidim, Lithuanian Yeshiva-types, American Modern Orthodox Jews, Israeli
Dati Leumi individuals - some of whom were even dancing in their IDF uniforms. It
was one of the most moving displays of Achdus (unity) among observant
Jews I’ve ever witnessed.
But, as I said, it’s a facade.
If the events since October 7th have taught me anything, it's that.
When I saw those IDF soldiers dancing, I wondered: How many
of them were called up to serve in the current war in Gaza? How many survived?
And if they did survive, was it without permanent injury or without the mental trauma
of PTSD, which so many IDF soldiers now suffer? How many of their families are
mourning the loss of a loved one in battle?
I also wondered: How do the Charedim who danced hand-in-hand with Modern Orthodox Jews at this Siyum five years ago feel about the sacrifice these soldiers made—and the lack of such sacrifice by their Charedi counterparts in Israel? And yet, the sheer anger expressed by Charedi leadership in both Israel and the US at the mere thought of any Charedi youth serving in the IDF can’t possibly generate anything but sheer anger in return from those serving.
After over 600 days of war, how many Charedim of the Agudah that fought for
the ‘right’ of Charedim in Israel to be exempt from army service would the MO/DL be willing to dance with today in spirit of Achdus?
The divisions are deeper now than ever. And images like the ones in the video feel like a betrayal - of what must be the certain anger, frustration, and resentment that each side harbors for the other because of what October 7th has forced them to confront.
For the Dati Leumi community, extended IDF service under combat conditions has understandably generated a sense of bitterness toward those who might have helped bear the burden - but didn’t. For the Charedi community, they continue to believe - with deep conviction - that their rejection of army service is justified by religious obligation.
If the Siyum were held today, would they still be
emotionally capable of dancing together in that same spirit of unity?
This isn’t about who is right or wrong. (Although most
people know how I feel). As always it is about the fact that an issue that can
unite - and has united us (like the completion of Shas at the same time by Jews all
over the world from across the spectrum) is now outweighed by the resentments
that each community harbors about their role and responsibility to Klal
Yisrael.
Finishing Shas together is a tremendous achievement. But it
pales in comparison to the chasm the war has illuminated.
I wish it weren’t so. I wish I could say that what this
video represents is still the possibility - that Achdus is within
reach. I used to think so. If so many of us from disparate observant Jewish
cultures could come together here, maybe there’s hope after all.
But as things stand now… I don’t have much hope left at all.